FDA Approves Galdieria, Butterfly Pea, Calcium Phosphate as Natural Food Colors, Effective June 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new color additives from natural sources for use in the nation's food supply: Galdieria extract blue (from algae), butterfly pea flower extract (from dried flower petals), and calcium phosphate (a naturally occurring mineral compound). This decision follows a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) initiative, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to phase out artificial, petroleum-based food dyes by the end of 2026. The FDA's approval, effective June 2025, expands the palette of available natural colors for manufacturers in line with Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' slogan. Galdieria extract blue is now authorized for use in foods such as fruit drinks, yogurt, breakfast cereals, candies, and dairy-based products. Butterfly pea flower extract, previously approved for certain products, has had its use expanded to cereals, crackers, snack mixes, pretzels, and chips. Calcium phosphate is approved for ready-to-eat chicken products, white candy melts, doughnut sugar, and sugar for coated candies. The FDA's move comes amid ongoing debate over the health effects of synthetic food dyes, with health advocates citing potential neurobehavioral risks for children, while food industry groups maintain that artificial dyes are safe and essential for product consistency. Tyson Foods is among U.S. manufacturers working to eliminate artificial food dyes. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary stated the agency will also begin the process to revoke authorization for artificial dyes Citrus Red No. 2, Orange B, and Red 3 in the coming months. The new approvals were granted following petitions from Fermentalg, Innophos, and Sensient Colors.